Put your best foot forward and Step into Summer…

May 31, 2018

On Thursday 17th May, the Macmillan Prevention and Re-enablement project held their second Wellbeing event of 2018. The event focused on supporting residents of South Bristol, aged 55+ and living with and beyond cancer, their carers and supporters, giving them the opportunity to try a variety of fun activities and engage with local services that are available across the area.

Kindly supported by Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, the South Bristol Macmillan Wellbeing day was a lively event shared with over 25 people from the local area.

The day ran with a variety of short taster sessions, showcasing the fun, physical and social activities South Bristol has to offer for the over 55’s.

A brief welcome and talk from Sally Crocker, Macmillan Prevention and Re-enablement Project Manager, was followed by introductions from all 17 stall holders… prepped and ready to hand out information about what their services offer throughout South Bristol. Community activity services such as St Monica Trust, ACE Neighbours, the Bristol Family Cycling Centre, The Park Centre, and HHEAG were present to highlight a variety of exciting opportunities to support people in becoming more socially and physically active.

Guest speaker Kurtis Walters from Energise! led an informative talk on the benefits of engaging in physical activity as a positive step to living well after cancer. Kurtis shared the support available through Energise! and their 12-week tailor-made exercise scheme for people living with and beyond cancer.

Limbering up with an uplifting group exercise of Tai Chi, tutor Frank Pring kicked off the activity sessions for the day, followed by an exuberant session of Chair-based Zumba Gold, led by the fantastically fun Marie Clifford. The Walking Sports taster session led by Kris Tavender from Bristol Community Sports Foundation, worked up everyone’s appetite for lunch with participants working together as a group passing the ball to one another. Alongside the fun of the activities the day also had Mindfulness Colouring, Crafts and a chance to try out New Age Kurling.

One participant said,

Great team, wonderful selection. I learned so much about what is available in my area, thanks so much for a wonderful day!”

Enjoying a massage from one of the complementary therapists, absorbing the positive atmosphere and talking with others, the participants were also informed about how they can access the activities showcased on the day for free, through the Macmillan Taster Token Scheme.

To close the event, Hannah Currant, Health Care Engagement and Community Development Lead at Penny Brohn UK, led a relaxation session which allowed participants the opportunity to reflect and unwind.

I really enjoyed the day and it showed me that there IS life after cancer.”

All of the activity taster sessions showcased at this event are available through the Macmillan Taster Token scheme. If you are aged 55+, are living with and beyond cancer, a carer or support, then please contact our Macmillan Prevention and Re-enablement team on 0117 353 3042 to get your hands on a tailored pack and your Taster Tokens.

Wellbeing Days will be taking place in Central/East Bristol later this year. Booking is essential for these events, so to register your space please call 0117 353 3042.